Japan says it has a potato problem and it could hit your french fries
A quiet trade battle between Tokyo and Washington over whole spuds could end up jacking up the price of your french fries and potato chips.
By Foodie Pundit Newsroom - Published - Updated - Section: Desserts Snacks
Key points
- Japan is holding public meetings on a long-running US request to allow fresh potatoes into the country, a potential shift from the current processing-only restriction.
- The talks are happening as Japan's agriculture ministry finalizes its budget and grapples with domestic issues like climate change and farm subsidies.
- The agency deciding on the potato quarantine rules is the same one responsible for protecting Japanese farmers who would face new competition.
- While no wrongdoing is shown, the records document a US industry seeking a profitable rule change from the Japanese regulator.
- The outcome of the talks could create a significant new market for American potato growers and potentially influence potato prices in the US.
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Sources and methodology
Reported from the public datasets below.